Once celebrated as a unifying philosophy for Africa’s liberation and development, Pan-Africanism is now facing sharp criticism from observers who say its ideals are being distorted for political gain.
A recent critique described the movement long regarded as one of the continent’s “most beautiful ideas” as having become “the most abused idea.” According to the statement, Pan-Africanism’s focus has drifted away from advancing the welfare of African citizens and toward defending authoritarian leaders who present themselves as anti-Western.
“Today, Pan-Africanism is looking out for which dictator speaks worst about the West, not which person does the best for their people,” the observer remarked, warning that the movement risks losing its moral foundation if it continues to serve as a shield for repressive regimes rather than a force for unity and progress.
